History of Hip Hop – The Evolution of an Emcee – Overview of the oral traditions, musical, cultural and political movements that have contributed to the evolution of Emceeing so far.

MOBO award-winning hip hop artist, writer, poet and educator ‘Akala’ is a label owner and social entrepreneur who fuses his unique rap/rock/electro-punk sound with fierce lyrical storytelling. Inspired by the likes of Gil Scot-Heron and Saul Williams, over the years Akala has developed a stellar live show with his renowned drummer/award-winning music producer Cassell ‘TheBeatmaker’ (Plan B, The Streets and Keziah Jones) headlining 6 UK tours as well as touring with the likes of Jay-Z, Nas & Damian Marley, M.I.A. and Christina Aguilera to Siouxsie Sue, Damon Albarn’s ‘Africa Express’ and Richard Ashcroft, appearing at numerous UK / European and US festivals (Glastonbury, Big Chill, Wireless, V, Hove and SXSW) as well as collaborations with the British Council arts/music projects in The Philippines, New Zealand, Australia and across several countries in Africa and South-east Asia.

Free but booking is essential.

Part of Black History Month 2016. You can keep up to date on events news, comment and profiles on our People and Culture blog, which we will update throughout October. You can also take a look at our gallery of events.